La Festa Del Pi De Centelles

David Ramos

A 'Galejador' fires his musket during 'La Festa del Pi' (The Festival of the Pine) in the village of Centelles on December 30, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. Early in the morning men and women born in Centelles, who are named 'Galejadors' wear their traditional costume with the Catalan red hat known as 'Barretina' and carry their shooting muskets as they walk into the forest to chop down a pine tree, load it on an ox cart and take it to the church in the village. There the pine tree is decorated with five bouquets of apples and wafers and hung inside a church until January 6. The tradition has been documented since 1751 and it is believed its origins are related to the trees and the pagan worship of fertilization related the winter solstice.

A 'Galejador' fires his musket during 'La Festa del Pi' (The Festival of the Pine) in the village of Centelles on December 30, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. Early in the morning men and women born in Centelles, who are named 'Galejadors' wear their traditional costume with the Catalan red hat known as 'Barretina' and carry their shooting muskets as they walk into the forest to chop down a pine tree, load it on an ox cart and take it to the church in the village. There the pine tree is decorated with five bouquets of apples and wafers and hung inside a church until January 6. The tradition has been documented since 1751 and it is believed its origins are related to the trees and the pagan worship of fertilization related the winter solstice.

COLOMBIA-PARADE-CARNAVAL CALI VIEJO-FAIR OF CALI

AFP

A reveler dances during the 'Carnaval de Cali Viejo' parade, on December 28, 2012, in Cali, department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. This parade makes a tour of the popular people and the most important historical events of this region of Colombia. AFP PHOTO/Luis ROBAYO

A reveler dances during the 'Carnaval de Cali Viejo' parade, on December 28, 2012, in Cali, department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. This parade makes a tour of the popular people and the most important historical events of this region of Colombia. AFP PHOTO/Luis ROBAYO